Gameweek 1 begins on Friday 21 August. The official FPL availability page currently contains confirmed absences, unknown return dates, suspensions and players assessed at a 75 percent chance of featuring.
This tracker separates those categories because a long-term absence should not be treated the same way as a player expected to return before the deadline.
Players currently expected to miss or remain major doubts
A suspended player is easier to assess than an injury doubt. He cannot start until the ban ends, so do not carry him in an opening squad unless the long-term plan justifies using a bench slot.
Players who may return around the opening weekend
Player
Club
Current indication
Risk level
James Garner
Everton
Expected back 22 August after groin surgery
High
Tammy Abraham
Aston Villa
Expected back 23 August
High
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal
Expected back 21 August
Medium-high
Ben White
Arsenal
Expected back 21 August
Medium-high
Wataru Endo
Liverpool
75 percent chance
Medium
Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United
75 percent chance
Medium
Lisandro Martínez
Manchester United
75 percent chance
Medium
Tino Livramento
Newcastle
75 percent chance
Medium
Joelinton
Newcastle
75 percent chance
Medium
Murillo
Nottingham Forest
75 percent chance
Medium
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Nottingham Forest
75 percent chance
Medium
Mohammed Kudus
Tottenham
75 percent chance
Medium
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace
75 percent chance
Medium
Emanuel Emegha
Chelsea
75 percent chance
Medium
Geovany Quenda
Chelsea
75 percent chance
Medium
A 75 percent flag does not mean the player will start or complete 90 minutes. It only signals that participation is considered more likely than not.
Arsenal
Saliba remains the biggest defensive absence. His injury strengthens Gabriel and David Raya as secure selections while opening a place for one of Arsenal's £5.5m defenders.
White and Timber have possible return dates around the opening fixture. A return date alone is not enough. They need full training and useful friendly minutes before becoming safe FPL picks.
Current action: Select Gabriel or Raya. Treat the cheaper Arsenal defenders as placeholders until the final lineup evidence.
Liverpool
Ekitiké's Achilles problem strengthens Alexander Isak's central-forward role. Gomez and Bradley reduce defensive depth, while Leoni and other squad players are also listed with injuries.
Current action: Isak and Virgil van Dijk have clearer roles than the injured or competing alternatives.
Manchester United
Sesko is listed at a 75 percent chance with a shin issue. Ugarte and De Ligt have unknown return dates, while Martínez is also flagged.
United's opening fixtures against Hull and Ipswich are excellent, but the injury picture increases the value of players with secure roles.
Current action: Bruno Fernandes remains the safest pick. Wait for final evidence before selecting Sesko or a centre-back.
Newcastle
Livramento and Joelinton are listed at 75 percent, while Miley is expected back after Gameweek 1. The club is also changing head coach after Eddie Howe's departure.
Current action: Avoid relying on several Newcastle players in the same opening squad. Lewis Hall and Bruno Guimarães still require a check on tactical role and transfer status.
Tottenham
Kulusevski, Xavi and Odobert have unknown return dates. Kudus is listed at 75 percent. This creates opportunity for healthy attackers but also makes the full attacking structure difficult to predict.
Current action: Prefer secure players such as Pedro Porro or Dominic Solanke, subject to the final friendlies.
How to judge a late return
Evidence
Meaning
Full team training only
Positive, but not enough
Substitute appearance
Return progressing
Start in final major friendly
Strong evidence
60-75 friendly minutes
Near starting fitness
Manager confirms available
Useful confirmation
Manager confirms ready to start
Strongest evidence
No press-conference update
Retain caution
OneFPL injury rules for Gameweek 1
Do not start with a player who has an unknown return date.
Do not carry multiple 75 percent flags.
A premium player needs stronger evidence than a £4.0m bench defender.
A return date on the match weekend does not guarantee a start.
Check suspensions separately from injuries.
Recheck every selected player after the final press conference.
OneFPL verdict
The clearest current avoids are Saliba, Ekitiké, Gomez, Bradley, Ugarte, De Ligt, Rodri, Mitoma, Kulusevski, Xavi, Odobert, Kroupi and the suspended players.
Garner, Sesko, Martínez, Livramento, Murillo and Kudus can still become available, but none should be treated as a guaranteed Gameweek 1 starter yet.
FAQ
When should this tracker be updated?
After official medical statements, major friendlies and every Gameweek 1 press conference.
Is a 75 percent player safe to select?
Not automatically. Confirm training, match minutes and the manager's expected role.
Should I keep an injured player on the bench?
Only for a brief absence when the other 14 squad members are reliable.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
Build the best FPL Gameweek 1 bench with a cheap goalkeeper, £4.0m defenders, a first substitute and an optional early Bench Boost structure.
